Truck Driver Violations That Can Result in an Accident

 Posted on February 13, 2025 in Truck Accidents

Maryland is one of nine states which had the lowest number of fatal truck accidents in 2022. Even so, about 4,000 truck collisions occur in Maryland each year, leading to 50 or more fatalities and at least 1,875 severely injured victims. Truck accidents in the state occur most frequently on the highways that run through and around Baltimore. These include I-83, I-70, and I-95.

The trucking industry is heavily regulated, primarily because the sheer size and weight of a fully loaded semi-truck means those in smaller vehicles are much more likely to suffer catastrophic injuries or death when a collision with a semi-truck occurs. While drivers of semi-trucks and trucking companies have a greater responsibility to the public, unfortunately, regulations and laws designed to protect others on the roadways are not always respected.

If you or a loved one are victims of a collision with a semi-truck in which the truck driver, the trucking company, the loading company, or the maintenance company were negligent, it is important to speak to a knowledgeable Smithsburg, MD truck accident attorney. Having an experienced personal injury attorney can help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.  

What Types of Truck Driver Violations Can Result in Accidents?

There are many factors that can contribute to a truck accident. Many of these issues involve driver error, such as driving recklessly, or driver distractions, like using a cell phone while driving or eating while driving. Other factors involve truck drivers who violate regulations such as:

• Failure to obtain the necessary training and licensure required to operate a commercial vehicle.
• Driving while impaired
• Failure to conduct necessary inspections of trucks and trailers.
• Exceeding the maximum number of driving hours allowed and failing to take required breaks.
• Falsifying logbook information

Working more hours than allowed is one of the biggest problems in the trucking industry. Since truck drivers are only paid for the hours they are actually driving, many truck drivers ignore the federal regulations, driving more hours than they should and failing to take required rest breaks.

Federal Hours of Service Laws

While the laws for truck drivers are complex regarding hours of service, essentially, a truck driver is not allowed to drive more than 11 hours at a stretch. Anyone who has ever driven for 11 hours straight knows just how exhausting it is. One of the top causes of truck driving accidents is overly fatigued truck drivers, which is estimated to cause at least 40 percent of all truck driving accidents.

To avoid being caught driving more than the allowed number of hours, some truck drivers keep two logbooks – one with the actual hours of service and one to show officials if stopped. Electronic logging devices that track truck driver miles and duty status are being implemented to stop truck drivers from falsifying logbook entries.

While the trucking maintenance company and the loading company could be partly responsible for accidents caused by poor maintenance – usually of brakes and tires – and accidents caused by improper loading, the truck driver could also be at least partially responsible for these issues.

Truck drivers are required to perform pre-trip inspections of their trucks and trailers, and those with experience know when a truck is improperly loaded. The trucking company can also bear responsibility for a truck accident.

The company knows when drivers keep two logbooks and drive more hours than allowed. Some trucking companies may also fail to perform a thorough background check or ensure their drivers are properly trained.  

Contact a Washington County, MD Truck Accident Lawyer

If you are the victim of a truck accident caused by truck driver negligence, your accident may also include the negligence of the trucking company, loading company, or maintenance company.   It can be beneficial to contact a Williamsport, MD truck accident attorney from Serafini Law.

Attorney Serafini is extremely supportive of clients while being aggressive with insurance companies and other defendants. He grew up in Hagerstown and is very active in local communities. With more than 12 years of experience, Attorney Serafini gives each case highly personalized attention, answering calls 24/7. To schedule your free consultation, call 240-744-1600.